Friday, May 29, 2015

When I was in the school choir back in High School, one of our assignments was to think of a song that we'd like to learn to sing. Our teacher - Mr. Ortega - said that we should have a "musical goal," that being to be able to master one song by the end of the school year.

The other choir members chose very typical songs. There was the usual Basil Valdez songs like "Let the Pain Remain" and "Say that you love me." Another popular choice was Leo Valdez's "Magsimula ka." Then, there was a smattering of Barry Manilow songs like "Weekend in New England."

Now, when Mr. Ortega asked me what was the song I wanted to master, the room fell silent.

There I was, a short, pudgy 11-year old boy, and my song choice was Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog."

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

As the rainy season rolls in and summer exits, (according to PAGASA, the rainy season will be upon us in 2 weeks,) now would be a good time to really bring out all your summer outfits and wear them as often as possible.

During the Megamall sale a few weeks ago, I was able to pick-up a few summer items for Ate Bullet. Nothing says summer like a nautical outfit, and that's what I whipped up for her.

The first item are tailored shorts with a yacht print. You can't get any more nautical than a yacht.

Second, a black and white striped top. It harks back to sunny summers in the French Riviera.

And because it's always cool to mix prints, why not combine these 2 nautical pieces together!

Because they're the same color, both prints complement each other, making the whole outfit look cohesive.

Monday, May 25, 2015

It's no secret that I'm a massive fan of Thai food. Whether I'm in MNL, BKK, HKG, SG, GUM, AMS or TYO, I always make it a point to try a Thai restaurant. My default orders would usually consist of Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong and Som Tam.

Here at home, there are a couple of Thai restaurants that I like. This includes Som's, Chariya and the now defunct Mommy Thai in U.P.

Last week, I found this food court stall in SM called "Thaicoon." Needless to say, I had to try it out.

I ordered the chicken bagoong rice, which was this massive dish served on a hot plate. It's almost like Pepper Lunch, but Thai.

For a food court stall, Thaicoon was pretty good. For this particular dish, the rice was perfectly seasoned with a strong but not overpowering bagoong flavor. The mangoes had the right sourness, and the chicken was sweet. When mixed together, the flavors come together seamlessly.

And did I mention the servings were massive? At least for the bagoong rice.

I was planning to order the Som Tam and Tom Yung Goong, too. But I was stuffed with this dish alone.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

On youtube, they have a function where they suggest videos based on the one you last viewed. And after I viewed "Pretty Girls," the video suggested was another Iggy Azalea song.

It's a song that's a few months old, but today was the first time I heard about it. It's another collaboration, this time with Jennifer Hudson.

While I find Jennifer Hudson's voice too overpowering at times, her vocals on this song are awesome. It still has that belting and power that JHud is known for, but the pop melody makes it sound more casual and non-chalant.

I won't have any trouble listening to this song again and again and again and again.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

White is a color that's not that popular in local circles. In fact, when people wear white, you can almost hear the snide side comments such as: "Hi, Doc," "Nurse... Nurse..." or "Where's the wedding?"

It's actually quite a shame because white is such an elegant color. And it's a color that's not just for doctors, nurses or weddings. When worn properly and thoughtfully, white is a great color to incorporate in your daily wardrobe.

For example, you can start with a base piece like this creamy white pencil skirt with gold zipper details.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Back in the 80s, there was proliferation of African-American pop groups. Most of those groups found success, that's why we can sing songs like "Rhythm of the Night," "All over you," and "I miss you," from the top of our heads.

(In case you didn't know, that's Debarge, The Jets and Klymaxx.)

One of my favorite groups was of the same category, but they had a more relaxed and mature sound. They were called Atlantic Starr, and they're better known for their 80s hit, "Always."

Thursday, May 21, 2015

There was a 3-day sale in SM Megamall last week and I saw it as the perfect opportunity to whip up a "Look For Less Than A Thousand" for my sisters.

This wasn't a mean feat since there are a lot of good and cheap clothing options at SM Megamall. The trick is to sift through all the options, and find an outfit that meets that may be less than a thousand bucks but looks much more expensive than that.

Luckily, I found 3 awesome items in 3 of my favorite haunts.

Haunt # 1: Surplus Shop black cropped top. P249.75

This is a classic that can go with anything that you already have in your wardrobe.

Haunt # 2: Oxygen perforated pleather skirt. P399.00

It's the classic full skirt silhouette, but rendered in a very chic and very light pleather material. Check out the details and be amazed that it's that cheap. (It was on a clearance rack, so it's around 70% off.)

Haunt # 3: SM Department store pointed flats with grommets. P300.00

Again, this item was on 50% off. It's original price was P599.75, which already makes it a good buy. But at 50% off, it makes it an even better one.

And for P948.75, you have an all-black, punk-inspired Look for Less Than A Thousand!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

They are just SO good. It's a munchkin that's rolled in rich, velvety cheese - and the combination is phenomenal. I have to control myself whenever I buy these because I can probably finish a Little Bunch in one sitting. No kidding!

Aside from the Cheese Trickles variant, they also have it in Jamocha Trickles (also a winner with it's Bavarian filling) and the Choco Trickles (Meh!).

The only problem is that it's not available in all stores! That's why whenever I pass by an outlet that sells it, I immediately snag a pack.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Two of my favorite singers just dropped their new singles. And now I find myself shuttling between two songs on youtube.

First is "Pretty Girls." The newest collaboration between Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea.

I'm loving the 80s references in this music video.

Second is Taylor Swift's much ballyhooed "Bad Blood."

The song is very catchy, and the woman empowerment theme of the video is good. My only beef with this is that it looks like a mash-up between "Toxic" and "Womanizer" - both videos of Britney that's directed by Joseph Kahn. (Who directed this video.)
Now I don't just have an LSS, I have two LSSes!

Sunday, May 17, 2015

For today's bridal fair at EDSA Shangrila, Ate Bullet decided to debut her florties look. When I dropped by and talked to her, she said that the dress was a hit. Everyone was complimenting her on the silhouette and print.

She decided to wear the green version, and she paired it with beige heels. It looked very classic and chic!

The floral print and color went very well with one of the cakes they displayed. Florals are really a big trend - not just in clothes, but in everything!

Ate loved the look so much that she can't wait to wear the blue Florties dress sometime soon.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Carly Rae Jepsen's newest single might not have gained the same on-line traction as "Call Me Maybe," but I must say, after hearing this song a few times, I really, really, really, really, really, really like it!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

One of my favorite design tasks is laying out materials for Dexter's. Last week, Ate Bullet asked me design their calling cards, and just like the last time, we used some of their best cake creations as focal point for the cards.

I did 10 different designs and I wouldn't be surprised if clients collect all 10. Each cake is really a visual masterpiece. But if I were to choose my favorite among the 10, it has to be this Vera Wang inspired wedding cake.

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

One essential that every woman should have in her closet is a nice crimson dress.

Crimson is a power color. It gives the wearer a feeling of strength, largely due to the fact that this color has always been equated with leadership. Plus, on a more practical note, crimson flatters every skin color.

Ate Lissa has this crimson dress in her closet, and it's one of those simple yet detailed frocks.

The silhouette looks deceptively simple. Much like a sheath dress. But if you look at the details, you'll see how interesting the dress is.

First, it has tucks on both hips, giving it this tulip shape that gives the wearer an hourglass figure.

The neckline is equally interesting, thanks to some perforations and scallop details.

With a dress that has a rich color and even richer details, it's no wonder that this dress is something worth feeling crazy about.

Monday, May 04, 2015

It's May 4! And it's officially Star Wars day. (May the 4th be with you. Get it? Get it?)
What better way to celebrate it than with this classic song from "Return of the Jedi." It's a song that I actually memorized from start to finish. Yes, I was THAT much of a geek!

Sunday, May 03, 2015

As it is customary, the country goes on a standstill whenever there's a Pacquiao fight.

This morning, there were very few people - unusually few, in fact - in church. Which reminds me of that time when the same thing happened in the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in Megamall to which the priest mused: "Mahirap talagang kalaban si Pacquiao."

There were no cars on the highway. Very few people in the mall. And the streets were almost deserted.

That's the power of Pacquiao. (Apparently, though, he wasn't powerful enough to beat his opponent.)

About Me

DELINQUENT BLOGGER: Created 2 blogs he never used, which makes this one number 3.
ARTIFICIAL-NEED-CREATOR: Has spent the last decade peddling everything from drugs, milk, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, cigarettes, insurance plans, malls, celebrities, gifted children, even April Boy.
WANDERER: Must see some place new every year. Flew to Prague on a whim. Flew to Amsterdam on a quest. Flew to Barcelona on a dream. Flew to Bangkok on a favor. Flew to Hong Kong on a new chapter. Flew to Japan to make someone happy.
JEAN ADDICT: More than a hundred and still counting. Antik, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, D Squared, Energie, Esprit, Folded & Hung, Gas, G-Star, Indu Homme, Industrie, Izzue, Jack Jones, K-2, Levi's, Lee, Marithe+Francois Girbaud, Nudie, Old Navy, Parasuco, Pull & Bear, Replay, Rough Rider, Two percent, True Religion, Topman, Y-3, Zara
FASHION FINDER: Whips up an outfit in 5 minutes flat.
BARGAIN BUDDY: Can create an outfit for P1,000 or less. (top + bottom + shoes)
ACCIDENTAL PROFESSOR: I love to teach! I learn from my students as much as they learn from me.
SPONGE: Ready to seep in what the world dishes out.